Bristol School’s Search for Missing Cary Grant Plaque

Fairlawn Primary School in Bristol is on the search for a missing plaque commemorating film star, Cary Grant’s time at the school.

The school, situated in Montpelier, is appealing to the public for the return of the plaque which had been displayed on the outside of the building and which was taken in 2012.

The plaque was from the British Film Institute and the school would dearly like it to be returned. James Bayliss-Smith from Fairlawn School’s PTA Committee explains:

“It would mean a great deal to the school to have the plaque returned, not least to the children who will have the benefit of being visually reminded daily of someone who went to their school and hit the big time against all the odds. The plaque is a tangible reminder that anything is possible if you work hard and follow your dreams.”

Cary Grant was a pupil at Fairlawn (formerly Fairfield School) from 1915 to 1918 and at some point the previous school applied for the plaque from the British Film Institute and displayed it on the outside of the building while it was still Fairfield School.

In 2006, Fairfield School moved to their ‘new’ building and in 2012, the plaque went missing from the old premises.

Fairlawn Primary opened in 2015 and last year, the plaque did turn up briefly on eBay. However, it was then withdrawn and the school has not been able to locate it since.

It is thought that the plaque may have changed hands a few times and the school do not wish to get anyone in trouble so would be very grateful if the plaque could be handed in anonymously on a no-questions asked basis so that it can be put back up on the wall.

The plaque can be returned to the school at this address: Fairlawn Road, Montpelier, Bristol BS6 5JL.